WILDLIFE advocates are renewing calls for drivers to slow down and stay alert after a mother kangaroo was tragically killed in Arthurs Seat. The incident occurred on Arthurs Seat Rd after the kangaroo was struck by a car, causing critical injuries.
According to the Vets for Compassion Facebook page, the mother kangaroo managed to reach dense bushland with her joey but was badly injured and had struggled to move. When rescuers arrived the next morning, they came across a rare and emotional scene with two male kangaroos standing guard over the injured mother with her joey.
“Through the long, cold night they had kept watch, likely shielding the pair from predators and giving rescuers the precious time needed to reach them,” the Facebook post stated. “Sadly, mum’s injuries were too severe, and she couldn’t be saved. But her joey, a girl, weighing 710g, is now safe in care with Gill at Warrawee Shelter Langwarrin, AWARE Wildlife Rescue.”
Save the Kangaroos on Mornington Peninsula Inc. (SKOMP) spokesperson Jo Hansen said the tragic incident had raised concerns yet again about road safety in wildlife-prone areas. She said safety was also important for rescuers after two women died earlier this month after stopping to help an injured kangaroo on the Hume Fwy in Craigieburn.
“Key times to slow down, especially in areas adjacent to National Parks, bush and areas of road with Wildlife signage are an hour before and after sunset. Currently this is 5pm-7pm and 5.30am – 7.30am,” she said. “This is when kangaroos in particular are moving from the protection of scrub to feeding on grassland. They may cross the road quickly or travel beside the road before crossing.
“At this time of year there may be young at foot so if one kangaroo crosses the road be aware that a second may follow. Paying attention to signage and slowing right down will help prevent collisions with wildlife, causing you distress and severe damage to your car.”
Hansen said if drivers were unfortunate to hit a kangaroo, wallaby, koala or echidna, she advised that they move it off the road if safe to do so. This also formed the message “REMEMBER Stopping for wildlife saves lives” from the Kangaroo Road Rescue initiative by Kangaroos Alive, encouraging drivers to be cautious and slow down.
For emergencies call the Wildlife Rescue Australia 24-hour call centre 1300 596 457 or police on Triple-0.
First published in the Mornington Times – 16 September 2025
